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Byron Gipson Defeats Dan Johnson in 5th Circuit Solicitor Primary

The solicitor position is the lead criminal prosecutor in the areas, essentially the district attorney for that region.

Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Fifth Circuit Solicitor Dan Johnson has lost his bid for re-election, after he was defeated in Tuesday's Democratic primary by political newcomer Byron Gipson.

LINK: Complete South Carolina Primary Races Election Results

The solicitor position is the lead criminal prosecutor in the areas, essentially the district attorney for that region.

In the end the race was not close. Gipson got 73 percent of the vote, winning by roughly 18,000 votes.

Johnson has held the seat since 2011, and didn't face serious opposition in his previous re-election bid. Gipson is a defense attorney who works out of the Columbia area.

Below: Latest Numbers for Solicitor's Race (Not Seeing the Numbers? Click here)

Initially, Johnson faced no primary opponent. But months ago, an online watchdog group called PAPR published a report question the spending practices of Johnson's office.

Previous Coverage: Byron Gipson Files for Solicitor's Race

The group claimed money from a narcotics fund went to other expenditures, including hotels and trips.

Previous Coverage: FBI, SLED Probe Spending of 5th Circuit Solicitor's Office

Johnson has maintained that he did nothing wrong. But both the FBI and SLED are still looking into the allegations

Gipson will not face a Republican in this fall's general election. However, there could be a write-in candidate.

LINK: Complete South Carolina Primary Races Election Results

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